How to Use Networking to Get a Job Interview
As the old saying goes, 'It's not what you know, it's who you know.' In the world of job interviews it couldn't be truer. Having the right connections can open doors that are shut to an applicant who hasn't used networking to his or her advantage.
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Instructions
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Maintain Your Relationships to Assist Networking
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Make phone calls. Devote at least an hour a month to calling or emailing people you have identified as people in your network. An occasional conversation can maintain relationships that would otherwise fade.
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Join a professional organization or association. Membership in a professional organization can do wonders for networking, and affiliations are a positive addition to a resume.
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Keep work relationships positive. Remember that current employers, supervisors and coworkers are sources for letters of recommendation and references for future jobs.
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Network for other people. A simple email to a friend about an open position in your company can help you when the favor is returned.
Access Different Networking Opportunities to Get a Job Interview
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Use informal networking strategies. Calling old friends, professors, and informing extended family members that you are currently looking for a job are all networking avenues you shouldn't ignore.
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Use formal networking strategies. Alumni groups often have established job networking associations that exist to help recent graduates find employment. Public business associations are also excellent ways to meet businesspeople in your community.
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Join an online networking group. Create a public profile on Web sites specifically designed for networking. You can also create a link to a personal Web site that includes some basic professional information and a resume to assist potential employers in finding out more about you.
Use Job Interviews for Future Networking Prospects
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Send a thank-you note. Thank-you notes should be hand-written and sent within 24 hours. Even after a poor interview or one that doesn't result in a job, use the contact as a potential networking opportunity.
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Exchange business cards to help keep track of your job search. Get cards from the people you interview with and keep them on file for future networking use.
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Tips & Warnings
Posting on job search message boards and blogs creates a network of people that share a common interest. Don't underestimate the power of even the most casual relationship.
Don't post anything anywhere online that you wouldn't want a prospective employer to see. Employers are not allowed to ask certain questions, but they may be able to get that information by visiting your blogs and profiles.
